CHARGERS: Preseason victory far from impressive

SAN DIEGO ---- Chargers coach Norv Turner said time and again that players make the most progress between the first preseason game and the second.

It sure didn't look that way Saturday night.

The Chargers' first-team offense couldn't establish a rhythm during a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, and their first-team defense couldn't get off the field.

Quarterback Philip Rivers was accurate in spurts, but a pair of interceptions ---- one was his fault, the other a fluke ---- negated the good he did. The first unit didn't score in the first half, and Turner didn't press things when the Chargers got the ball in the final minute of the second quarter.

While good plays were intermittently made, those left in the dark by the NFL-mandated local television blackout policy sure didn't miss much.

"I don't think we played as well as we've been practicing," Turner said. "It's a great reminder for me and all of our players. We have a lot of players trying to get on the same page. ... It just shows me that we have a lot of work to do."

Though the Chargers believe the aforementioned issues are correctable as training camp progresses, an injury in the third quarter will certainly have a lasting impact. Receiver Vincent Brown broke his left ankle on a touchdown reception that figures to be his last for some time. A team source said Brown is expected to have surgery on Sunday and could miss the first half of the regular season.

The news hit the locker room hard.

"It's a real blow," tight end Antonio Gates said.

Turner agreed, but, as with last week's loss of running back Ryan Mathews, he believes the team can overcome this setback.

"We've been in situations where we've had some adversity, and I think we're equipped to handle what comes our way," Turner said. "Guys will step up and fill Vincent's shoes."

Brown was one of the few offensive players who seemed in sync against Dallas. The first-team offense struggled to establish a rhythm of any kind. That the first-team defense couldn't stop Dallas didn't help, as the Chargers ran just three plays in the first quarter. Then they tossed a pair of interceptions in the second.

"The first unit hasn't gotten going yet," Gates said. "We have new guys, and we'll continue to build the cohesiveness necessary to be a good offense."

While the first string didn't look good and lost the opening half 10-0, the Chargers scored 28 points after halftime led by backup quarter Charlie Whitehurst and backup cornerback Shareece Wright.

Wright set up the decisive touchdown with a 73-yard interception return, and backup running back Jackie Battle scored on a 2-yard run shortly thereafter to give the Chargers the lead for good. He also forced a fumble with a quarterback sack and made contributions on special teams for the second straight game.

While injured Marcus Gilchrist is the presumptive starter at nickel back, the second-year pro out of USC is making a case for regular playing time.

"It's something I needed," Wright said. "You need confidence to perform at this level, and I'm acquiring some. I just need to keep grinding and keep making progress."

Progress was difficult to detect in an uneven first half.

While an offensive lineman shouldn't be graded on one play, rookie left tackle Mike Harris underscored how much the Chargers need starter Jared Gaither to get healthy. Victor Butler blew by Harris and sacked quarterback Rivers from the blind side.

Ronnie Brown took the most handoffs and had 16 yards on six carries, though he did catch four passes for 37 yards.

There were highlights for the Chargers.

Whitehurst tossed two touchdown passes, was surprisingly mobile so soon after a knee injury and was as accurate as he has been in recent practices.

Rookie outside linebacker Melvin Ingram had another strong showing while playing with the second team behind Jarret Johnson. Ingram used his speed and an excellent swim move to earn a sack. He also disrupted the Cowboys' offense on several plays.

While some individuals stood out, the team emerged with problems to address.

The Chargers have six turnovers in two games. It's clear that Rivers and wide receiver Robert Meachem are not yet in sync. The rushing attack has some work to do. The defense looks strong in spurts but lacks consistency. Rivers was accurate, though his only two incompletions were intercepted.

The Chargers still have two preseason games to address their problems, starting with next week's trip to Minnesota. They will practice against the Cowboys on Monday and Tuesday before officially breaking camp.

"We know we have to keep improving," Rivers said. "But the good thing about it is we're still 0-0 in games that count. I believe we'll be ready to play when they do."